Bridgestone is demonstrating its innovative ‘Tirematics’ tyre monitoring system at the IAA

Tirematics™ encompasses all Bridgestone’s connected tyre solutions: IT systems that use sensors to remotely monitor, transmit and analyse real-time information, such as the pressure and temperature of commercial truck and bus tyres.

Bridgestone has been providing a TPMS-based tyre pressure monitoring service as part of its fleet service programme since 2013, via the ‘sensors and gate’ system on display at IAA Commercial Vehicles 2016.

Every time a vehicle passes through the gate, special valves on the vehicle tyres send pressure data via the GSM network to the Bridgestone fleet data server. Tyre pressure is evaluated in real-time and if it falls outside the pre-defined limits, an email is automatically generated to the fleet and service provider, so that immediate action can be taken. Reports can also be automatically created. More than 100,000 tyres are currently monitored through the server, with over 25,000 tyres measured daily.

Future Tirematics system to provide continuous real-time data

Expanding on the existing Tirematics connected tyre solution, Bridgestone is now trialling a system to bring further benefits to the fleet. In addition to tyre pressure and temperature information, this also provides relevant vehicle data to the server, on a continuous basis, not just when a vehicle checks in through the gate. This data allows Bridgestone’s advanced data processing system to react quicker to pressure issues, informing the fleet and breakdown service if a tyre is rapidly deflating. The system also enables advanced algorithms to generate predictive maintenance scheduling.

Cost efficiencies for fleets

Proactive alerts and regular maintenance reports allow the fleet and service provider to keep the fleet running efficiently at its optimal level.

Some truck fleets have already reported reductions of 75% in tyre-related roadside breakdowns. In addition, fleets potentially save around 0.5% in fuel consumption due to the improved inflation condition of their fleet.

Bridgestone believes Tirematics will also lead to significant cost savings on tyre maintenance since monitoring tyre information with a remote eliminates the need to check pressure with manual labour. More efficient maintenance will in turn allow tyres to be used for longer and more safely, reducing the number of tyres discarded prematurely and the total number consumed. With Bridgestone’s Tirematics solutions, fleet operators can therefore expect further cost reductions through more efficient operations.

“In addition to the ongoing benefit of reduced tyre maintenance and breakdown costs, Bridgestone is testing advanced applications. Combined with vehicle data these can bring enhanced support to the fleet, allow optimal tyre selection for a particular fleet operation and enable us to provide targeted service leading to increased vehicle uptime” explains Neil Purves.